Bahrain players banned

Four Bahrain internationals have been suspended from the national side after being accused of lending their support to anti-government protests.

Brothers A'ala and Mohammed Hubail are reported to have been arrested during a training session with Al Ahli on Tuesday after being identified on television at a rally to protest against the Bahrain government.

It is reported that another two players have also been suspended by their clubs, and subsequently from the national side, for supporting pro-democracy protests.

A 'senior football official', speaking anonymously, told the Associated Press action was taken against the players because "they are against the government."

The Bahrain Football Association said in a statement: "the suspension falls under misconduct, and the breaching of the rules and regulations of sporting clubs ... not to engage in any political affairs."

Leading figures from a number of sports, including basketball and handball, have also been suspended by their clubs after being accused of protesting against the government.